Grasgil, also known as Bronzewater, is a rare magical metal that exudes coldness.
Appearance[edit | edit source]
Before being forged, Grasgil is a dull green liquid metal, from which its nickname "Bronzewater" is derived from. After being forged, it becomes dark cyan, with spots of crystalline ice buried within the metal.[1]
Properties[edit | edit source]
When fully processed, Grasgil becomes permanently frozen and generates cold. The colder it is, the harder it becomes, making it more difficult to melt than mithril, though it can shatter if too cold. Even the coldest blizzards will not reduce its temperature much. Blades made of Grasgil will freeze what they cut.[1]
Forging Process[edit | edit source]
Grasgil needs to be frozen instead of heated in order to forge, effectively being processed through an inverted method compared to other metals. The [Smith] risks chilblains and frostbites when forging it, as fire-resistance Skills common in the profession will offer no protection. A magical cold flame, which is usually created by grinding Everfrozen Ice with Sparkdust but other sources are viable,[2] is needed to freeze the raw Grasgil in a basin. Then Everfrozen Ice powder is applied to mix with the metal, making it colder and prevents it from melting while the [Smith] hammers it in its solid state.
Grasgil won't hold any shape if too warm while being hammered; thus it requires to be reapplied to the Everfrozen Ice and the cold flame periodically. This is a delicate balance, as making it colder makes the metal stronger, but it cannot become so cold as to turn brittle and shatter under the [Smith]'s hammer. Grasgil will progressively become more solid and more immovable as time passes while forging. Near completion, Everfrozen Ice is hammered into the metal one last time. Afterwards, the edge of the Grasgil weapon is alternated between exposure to a regular warm flame and the cold flame to soften it and work the edge. Once again, a balance must be held to keep the edge from freezing over but preventing the heat from deforming it.
There is only one chance to forge Grasgil properly as when it is cold, it is dangerous to rework, as reheating it could make it fall apart.[1] With the Dwarves, it would normally go to a [Runesmith] next to etch it before it froze completely.